Ashika pov

Time was moving painfully slow today.

It had been three hours since college started, and only two classes were done. Two more to go-and I already felt drained. Last year. Last semester. And yet, I still hated coming to college.

If it weren't for this stupid attendance rule, I'd happily stay away.

The day was going just fine-until that stupid fresher decided to ruin it.

I was furious when Aisha told me a first-year guy was trying to touch a girl inappropriately. Furious enough to forget everything else. I didn't even think twice before confronting him.

And that idiot-rather than owning up-started babbling excuses, pretending like nothing happened.

Seriously?

You're a grown man. Own your mistake.

Before I could say more, the bell rang.

Break. Finally.

"I'm starving," I sighed, stepping out of class with my gang.

Just as I reached the door, I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, startling me slightly.

"Relax, it's me. Stop expecting the unexpected," Pulkit said softly.

My best friend. The one who knew me better than I knew myself.

"I wasn't expecting anything, idiot," I replied, annoyed.

"Oh ho, not expecting blah blah blah," he mocked.

"Chup kar ja, kutte. I'm already hungry. My brain's not working," I snapped, sliding out from under his arm.

"I'm going to the cafeteria. Chalna hai toh chal, warna yahin mar."

I started walking, knowing very well

he'd follow.

He always did.

The cafeteria was crowded, noisy, and irritating-just like my mood. I ordered food and headed toward our usual table.

Occupied.

By freshers.

Of course.

"God, why me?" I muttered.

Already irritated, I walked up to the table and said sharply,

"Go take another table. This one's already taken. Move."

That was it.

To my surprise, they immediately stood up, apologized quietly, and walked away.

I blinked.

Disciplined, huh. Impressive, I thought, taking my seat.

Pulkit plopped down beside me, smirking.

"Already started scaring newbies?"

"Maine kuch nahi kaha," I replied lazily. "Bas hatne ko kaha."

"Ab mood theek kar le yaar. Kab tak gusse mein rahegi us gadhe ki wajah se?"

Then, in a ridiculous baby voice, "Ab muskura bhi de meri Ashiiiii."

He cupped my face dramatically.

"CRINGE."

"Door hatt," I said, patting his hand away-though a small smile still crept onto my lips.

"Aha!" he exclaimed. "That's what I'm talking about. This is our Ashi. Smiling, laughing-not the grumpy one."

I rolled my eyes.

"Waise baaki log kahaan hain? Abhi tak aaye nahi," he asked, scanning around.

"Vani staff room mein hai. Rishi-obviously football practice.

Purvi absent," I replied.

"And Aisha-"

His eyes lit up.

"-is in the library," I continued flatly. "Returning some books."

He immediately started getting up.

"But she'll come," I added. "She just went to return them."

He sat back down, still glancing toward the entrance.

Ahh. This lover boy.

"Tu use bata kyun nahi deta?" I asked casually.

"Chup," he snapped.

"Jaan se maar degi mujhe," he muttered. "Pagal."

"Fattu," I whispered.

Idiot had been in love with her since the first day of college-

and still didn't have the courage to say it.

By the time my classes ended, I was exhausted. I skipped the library and went for a long drive instead-just me, my car, and loud music.

I reached home around six in the evening.

Tired.

Restless.

Unaware that today-without knowing it-I had already become someone's quiet beginning.